If you’re looking for a dessert that combines sweetness, texture, and a delightful aroma, the Apricot and Coconut Filled Sweet Bread is the perfect choice. This soft, fragrant bread is filled with a delicious combination of apricot jam and shredded coconut, creating a flavorful surprise inside every bite. Topped with a golden egg wash and sprinkled with almonds and sugar, this bread is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
This sweet bread is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as a dessert, a snack, or even for breakfast. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for a cozy afternoon treat. With a soft, airy dough and a rich filling, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, from preparing the dough to filling and shaping the bread. We’ll also share some tips and tricks to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time. Let’s get started on this delightful baking journey!
Ingredients for Apricot and Coconut Filled Sweet Bread
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients for the dough, filling, and topping. These ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced sweet bread with a satisfying texture and flavor.
For the Dough:
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 8 grams vanilla sugar (about 1 tablespoon)
- 200 ml warm milk (not hot)
- 50 ml oil (vegetable or sunflower oil works well)
- 1 egg white
- 340 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 tablespoons apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 teaspoon milk (for egg wash)
- Almonds (for decoration)
- Fine sugar (for sprinkling)
These simple ingredients combine to make a bread that is sweet and satisfying. The apricot jam adds a natural sweetness, while the shredded coconut brings in a light, chewy texture. The egg wash gives the top a glossy, golden finish, and the almonds add an extra crunch and flavor to the bread.
Directions for Making Apricot and Coconut Filled Sweet Bread
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to the steps for preparing and baking this delicious sweet bread.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix the dry yeast, sugar, vanilla sugar, and warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is properly activated.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the oil, egg white, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten, which will give the bread its light and airy texture.
- Let the Dough Rise: Once the dough is kneaded, cover it with a cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 40 minutes, or until it doubles in size. A warm, draft-free area is ideal for rising.
Step 2: Divide the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal halves. This will help you create two layers that you can fill with the apricot and coconut mixture.
- Lightly grease your hands with a little oil and gently flatten each dough half into a rectangle or circle. This will make it easier to spread the filling later.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Spread the Jam: Take one of the dough halves and spread 3 tablespoons of apricot jam evenly over the surface. The jam will give the bread a sweet and fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the coconut.
- Sprinkle the Coconut: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut evenly over the apricot jam. The coconut adds a chewy texture and enhances the flavor with its mild sweetness.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Place the second dough half on top of the jam and coconut filling, ensuring the edges are sealed gently. You can press down lightly to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
- Shape the dough into your desired form, whether that’s a round shape or a loaf shape. Be gentle with the dough to maintain the airy texture.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Rest
- In a small bowl, mix 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon milk to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of the dough to give it a golden and shiny finish when baked.
- Sprinkle almonds on top for decoration, adding a crunchy element to the soft bread. If you don’t have almonds, you can also use other nuts or seeds for a different texture.
- Let the dough rest for an additional 10 minutes before baking. This allows the dough to relax and rise slightly, ensuring it bakes evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). A well-heated oven is essential for achieving a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake the dough in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If necessary, you can cover the bread with foil in the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Before serving, dust the bread with some fine sugar for a sweet finishing touch. This gives the bread a light, sparkling appearance and adds a hint of extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions for Apricot and Coconut Filled Sweet Bread
This sweet bread is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some great serving ideas:
1. Serve with Tea or Coffee
Pair the sweet bread with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. The richness of the bread complements the warm beverages beautifully.
2. Enjoy for Breakfast
This bread makes for a lovely breakfast treat. Serve a slice with some fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a light and satisfying meal.
3. Indulgent Dessert
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the bread. This extra touch takes the bread to another level of deliciousness.
4. Gift it to Loved Ones
This bread makes a lovely homemade gift for family or friends. Wrap it up in a decorative paper and share this sweet treat with your loved ones on special occasions.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Apricot and Coconut Filled Sweet Bread
To ensure your sweet bread turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
1. Warm Milk for Yeast Activation
Make sure the milk is warm (not hot) when you mix it with the yeast. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast may not activate properly.
2. Use a Warm Place for Rising
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for the best texture. A warm, draft-free area is ideal for the dough to double in size. You can even turn your oven on for a few minutes and then turn it off, using it as a warm space for the dough to rise.
3. Score the Dough for Decoration
For a decorative look, use a sharp knife to lightly score the dough before baking. This creates a beautiful pattern on the surface and helps the bread bake evenly.
4. Don’t Over-Bake
Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. Check for doneness around the 18-minute mark, and tap the top of the bread. If it sounds hollow, it’s done.
Nutritional Benefits of Apricot and Coconut Filled Sweet Bread
This sweet bread offers a combination of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a more nutritious option than many other desserts.
1. Apricot Jam:
The apricot jam provides a natural sweetness, and apricots themselves are a good source of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
2. Coconut:
Coconut is rich in fiber and healthy fats, which help to keep you full and satisfied. The healthy fats in coconut also contribute to heart health.
3. Almonds:
Almonds are a great source of protein and vitamin E, which is beneficial for skin health and supports the immune system.
FAQs about Apricot and Coconut Filled Sweet Bread
1. Can I use other fruit jams instead of apricot?
Yes, you can substitute apricot jam with other fruit jams like peach, apples, or strawberry. Just make sure the jam is thick enough to hold up during baking.
2. Can I make this bread without coconut?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it or replace it with shredded nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts for a different texture.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze this bread. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw it at room temperature.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You might need to add a little more liquid to compensate for the difference in flour type.
Conclusion
This Apricot and Coconut Filled Sweet Bread is a delightful combination of sweetness, texture, and flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or as an indulgent dessert, this bread is sure to impress. Follow the simple steps and tips in this article to create a beautifully baked loaf that everyone will love. Happy baking!